Touch-sensitive device for scrolling a document on a display

ABSTRACT

A touch-sensitive device for use as an electronic input device for controlling by scrolling the visible portion of a document or image relative to a display. The device can include various improved configurations such as physically separate opposed input surfaces at opposite longitudinal ends and/or lateral sides. The end regions of a touch sensitive surface may be rounded and/or tapered to provide relative positional feedback to the user. Tactile positional feedback can also include surface texture changes on the scrolling area and/or changes in the surface of the frame in the region immediately adjacent the scrolling area. The touch sensitive areas may be provided within a split alphanumeric section of an ergonomic keyboard to enable scrolling without the user having to remove his or her hands from the alphanumeric section.

This application is a Continuation application and claims priority toU.S. Ser. No. 09/940,900, filed Aug. 29, 2001, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a touch-sensitive device that canbe used as an electronic input device for controlling by scrolling thevisible portion of a document relative to a display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Touch pads, which are two-dimensional touch-sensitive surfaces, havebeen used on computer laptops for controlling the movement of the cursorof the display. Commonly used touch pad configurations include squareconfigurations and non-elongated rectangular configurations.Commercially available touch pads, such as those manufactured bySynaptics Inc., have been provided with software that enables the use ofthe right or bottom edge of the unitary surface touch pad as a scrollingzone. Such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,052 toAllen et al. However, these touch pad input devices, however, are alsoused for cursor positioning and thus are not dedicated to scrolling.This can cause problems of erroneous activation for the user. Theseproblems include the activation of scrolling when cursor positioning isdesired, and the activation of cursor positioning when scrolling isdesired.

A commercially available touch pad made by Synaptics Inc. uses softwarethat discriminates different end zones in a scrolling region of a touchpad. When a finger of a user reaches a longitudinal end of the touch padin the scroll region, the scrolling will continue until the user moveslifts his or her finger from the touch pad or moves his or her fingeraway from the edge of the touch pad. However, if the user isconcentrating on the display, it may be difficult for the user tomaximize the scrolling capabilities as it is difficult to know when andwhether his or her finger is in or near such a longitudinal end portion.Accordingly, a user may move his finger to reach or leave the endportion prematurely, or may never reach the end portion believing his orher finger is already located in the end portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,185 to Stephan et al. discloses a touch pad that isphysically divided by a cover to provide a square cursor control region,a vertically elongated rectangular scroll control region, and ahorizontally elongated pan control region. These regions are illustratedas being a part of a separate input device (in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No.5,748,185) or in the region in front of the keyboard portion of a laptopcomputer (in FIG. 13 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,185). Additionally, FIG. 10of U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,185 discloses a unitary surface with elongatedscroll and pan bars that overlap in the shape of a “plus” (+). Theregion where the horizontal pan control bar crosses the vertical scrollcontrol bar overlap is not mapped to control either panning orscrolling. Such an unmapped region would appear to be detrimental inmaximizing panning and scrolling control when the user runs his or herfinger along the horizontal or vertical bar in the desired direction.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,809 to Holehan discloses in FIGS. 1 and 2the use of a touch sensitive input scroll bars on three edge surfaces ofa laptop computer, and on three edge surfaces, between distinctalphanumeric and editing sections, and between distinct editing andnumeric sections on a keyboard. However, one potential drawback of thesearrangements is that edge regions and the regions between distinctkeyboard input sections (such as between distinct alphanumeric andediting sections, and between distinct editing and numeric sections) aresometimes used as resting places for portions of the hands of the user.An occurrence of such an incidental resting on an input scroll bar cancause unintended scrolling for the document on the display.

Additionally, the longitudinal ends of the scroll and panning controlregions for all of these arrangements terminate abruptly with a flatedge. This makes it difficult for the user to efficiently recognize whenher or she is approaching the end of the region as the user is normallyfocusing on the document on the display. This also has some drawbacks inthe ability to maximize scrolling control, which can be more significantwhen software provides the end portions with different scrollingcapabilities. Accordingly, a solution to this problem is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide a touch-sensitive device with regionshaving improved shapes and/or configurations.

In further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive device forscrolling a document on a display screen may include a central scrollingarea extending along a longitudinal axis, and first and second endscrolling areas positioned along the longitudinal axis on opposed sidesof the central scrolling area. The first and second end scrolling areasmay be physically separate and spaced from the main scrolling area.

In further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive device forscrolling a document on a display screen may include a central scrollingarea and first and second end scrolling areas. The central scrollingarea may extend along a longitudinal axis and may have a width in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first and secondend scrolling areas may be positioned along the longitudinal axis onopposed sides of the central scrolling area, and may have a width thatdiffers from the width of the central scrolling area.

In still further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive device forscrolling a document on a display screen may include a scrolling areaextending along a longitudinal axis, and opposed first and second endsthat may be rounded.

In yet further aspects of the invention, a touch-sensitive device forscrolling a document on a display screen may include a scrolling areaextending along a longitudinal axis enabling the scrolling of a documentin a first direction, and first and second scroll input surfaces. Thefirst and second scroll input surfaces may be positioned immediatelyadjacent to the scrolling area, and on opposing sides of and spaced fromthe scrolling area in a direction perpendicular from the longitudinalaxis. The first and second input surfaces may enable the scrolling of adocument in a direction perpendicular from the first direction.

Still further aspects of the invention provide a touch-sensitive devicefor scrolling a document on a display screen that may have a scrollingarea extending along a longitudinal axis and opposed first and secondends each having a distal end. The scrolling area may have a width in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A tactile feedbackarrangement may be located between the distal ends for providing tactilefeedback for assisting in the location of the first and second ends.

In yet further aspects of the invention, a keyboard may include analphanumeric section and an elongated touch-sensitive strip disposedwithin the alphanumeric section.

These and other features and aspects of the invention will be apparentupon consideration of the following detailed description of preferredembodiments. Although the invention has been defined using the appendedclaims, these claims are exemplary in that the invention is intended toinclude the elements and steps described herein in any combination orsubcombination. Accordingly, there are any number of alternativecombinations for defining the invention, which incorporate one or moreelements from the specification, including the description, claims, anddrawings, in various combinations or subcombinations. It will beapparent to those skilled in the relevant technology, in light of thepresent specification, that alternate combinations of aspects of theinvention, either alone or in combination with one or more elements orsteps defined herein, may be utilized as modifications or alterations ofthe invention or as part of the invention. It is intended that thewritten description of the invention contained herein covers all suchmodifications and alterations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are includedby way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to theclaimed invention. In the accompanying drawings, elements are labeledwith three-or-four-digit reference numbers, wherein the first digit of athree-digit reference number (or the first two digits of a four-digitreference number) indicates the drawing number in which the element isfirst illustrated. The same reference number in different drawingsrefers to the same or a similar element.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a first embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a second embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a third embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a fourth embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of a housing cover for forming atouch-sensitive device according to a fifth embodiment of aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a touch-sensitive device pattern according to asixth embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a seventh embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a touch-sensitive device pattern according to aneighth embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a ninth embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a keyboard having a touch-sensitive deviceaccording to a tenth embodiment of aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of a housing cover for forming atouch-sensitive device according to an eleventh embodiment of aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of a housing cover for forming atouch-sensitive device according to a twelfth embodiment of aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an ergonomic split keyboard incorporatinga touch-sensitive strip within a split alphanumeric section according toaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an ergonomic split keyboard incorporatingan alternative embodiment of a touch-sensitive device within a splitalphanumeric section according to aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the touch-sensitive device of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Several exemplary embodiments of touch-sensitive devices for scrollingconfigurations are shown in FIGS. 1-12. These devices are capable ofproviding signals for scrolling a document relative to a display devicein one or more directions. While the different illustrated embodimentsof scrolling devices are shown in isolation and/or as part of akeyboard, aspects of the invention may also include the use of suchtouch-sensitive devices as part of a stand-alone input device, or incombination with other devices such as a personal digital assistant(PDA), an electronic tablet, a laptop computer, an internet appliance,an electronic book, or on a mouse input device.

The touch-sensitive input device may be coupled to a system (not shown)for electronically processing signals and causing the documents to bescrolled relative to the display. Thus, for example, the scrollingdevice may be coupled to a computer such as a personal computer (e.g., adesktop or laptop computer) or any other type of computing system.

One or more interfaces and/or driving circuitry/software may be utilizedto provide communication between the scrolling device and the computingsystem. The computing may further include one or more of the following,which may be coupled together such as a keyboard and/or mouse, aprocessor such as a microprocessor and/or central processing unit,storage such as memory, a hard and/or diskette drive, and/or a displayfor displaying a document. The device for displaying the document mayany suitable device such as, but not limited to, a CRT screen, and LCDscreen, a projector, a heads-up display, a virtual-reality, goggledisplay. Examples of such computing systems are further described in aredisclosed in co-pending patent application serial no. TBD, entitled“Manual Controlled Scrolling,” attorney docket no. 03797.00125, filedsimultaneously with the present application, hereby incorporated byreference as to its entirety, and in co-pending patent applicationserial no. TBD, entitled “Automatic Scrolling” attorney docket no.03797.00126, filed simultaneously with the present application, herebyincorporated by reference as to its entirety.

As such, the term “scrolling” as has been generically used herein toinclude both one-dimensional scrolling as well as two-dimensionalmovements of the document relative to the display, and includes verticalscrolling, horizontal scrolling, panning, other axial scrolling, andcombinations and subcombinations thereof. The document to be scrolledmay be any type of document at all, such as a word processing or textdocument, a spreadsheet, a drawing, a photograph or other image type,and/or an Internet web page. The document may be the displayed output,results, and/or viewable user interface associated with any softwareand/or hardware-driven application and/or operating system, such as acontrol screen, window, or file directory. Accordingly, the touchsensitive device can be used for scrolling a document in one or moreaxes (e.g., X, Y) relative to a display screen.

The touch-sensitive scrolling device may be coupled to a display via anysuitable electronic processing device such that the position of apointer (e.g., a human finger, a stylus, or other appropriate object) onthe scrolling device affects the scroll position of a document as shownon an output device such as a display screen. Throughout thespecification, there will often be references to the user's finger. Suchreference is merely exemplary and will be understood to apply to anytype of pointer. The scrolling device may be sensitive to human touchand/or to non-human touch such as from a pen or stylus-type pointer.Alternatively or additionally, the scrolling device may include one ormore sensors to detect the pointer position as it hovers immediatelyover the surface of the scrolling device. The touching of the user'sfinger to the touch-sensitive surface of the scrolling device may causethe scrolling device to generate at least one signal indicating thelocation, pressure, speed, acceleration, direction of the finger, and/orwhich portion of the surface(s) of the scrolling device are beingtouched by the finger.

In response to the user's finger, one or more signals may be generatedby the system indicating information about the contact or proximity ofthe finger to the scrolling device, and such signals may be interpretedand processed by the system to provide the various scrolling featuresdescribed herein.

Any number of desirable scrolling techniques may be used for scrollingthe documents based upon user inputs. For example, control of scrollingacceleration, scrolling speed, and/or scrolling distance; automaticscrolling based on finger position, contact type, and/or pressure;scrolling position modification, rounding, and/or fine-tuningtechniques; and/or gesture and/or movement detection may be used.

Further, the same touch-sensitive surface may be used to support anycombination or subcombination of the various different scrollingtechniques or modes. Thus, more than one type of scrolling mode and/orfeature may be used with the same scrolling device. Further, althoughcertain exemplary gestures (e.g., tap-and-hold, or double-tap) may bemanners of implementing or invoking certain features and scrollingmodes, any desired gesture may be used to implement or invoke anyfeature and/or scrolling mode in any combination or subcombination. Inaddition, if desired, the scrolling device may be programmed to enablejumping to certain location in the document. Examples of such variousscrolling modes and techniques are disclosed in co-pending patentapplication serial no. TBD, entitled “Manual Controlled Scrolling,”attorney docket no. 03797.00125, filed simultaneously with the presentapplication, hereby incorporated by reference as to its entirety, and inco-pending patent application serial no. TBD, entitled “AutomaticScrolling,” attorney docket no. 03797.00126, filed simultaneously withthe present application, hereby incorporated by reference as to itsentirety.

In the arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2, touch-sensitive input devices 100,200 are shown for exemplary purposes as part of keyboards 101, 201 andfor exemplary purposes in regions located laterally to the left of thealphanumeric sections 102, 202. The touch-sensitive input devices 100,200 are preferably accessible through and/or located within an opening103, 203, window, or hole in the top of the housing 104, 204 of thekeyboard 101, 201. The opening 103, 203 is preferably of a shapecomplimentary or similar to the shape of the active scrolling surface.If desired, the housing 104, 204 may include a contoured boundarytransition region 105, 205 that extends around some or all of theperiphery of the touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 to facilitatelocation of the touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 by tactilefeedback to the user.

The touch-sensitive input devices 100, 200 preferably include ascrolling surface 110, 210, and opposing first (e.g., top) and second(e.g., bottom) longitudinal end areas 112, 212 and 114, 214. In FIGS. 1and 2, the longitudinal end areas 112, 212 and 114, 214 are curved ortapered at their distal ends 116, 118, 216, 218. These curved endprofiles 116, 118, 216, 218 are beneficial because they tend to moreclosely match the profile of a finger of a user, which in turn, allowsthe user to better locate the ends without visual confirmation andprovides increased comfort when the user is invoking that portion of thetouch-sensitive surface 100, 200. Additionally, the curved portions 116,118, 216, 218 provide the end areas 112, 212 and 114, 214 with aninherent taper that provides tactile feedback to the user that his orher finger is approaching the end of the touch-sensitive surface 110,210 prior to reaching the end. As can seen from the figures, theexemplary scrolling surface 100, 200 is an uninterrupted, continuousexposed surface between its longitudinal ends.

In one exemplary mounting arrangement, the scrolling surface 100, 200 iselongated front-to-back, and movement of the user's finger along thescrolling surface 100, 200 is capable of causing the document to scrollup and down based on the direction of finger movement.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the length of the scrolling surface 110,210 is understood to be the distance from end-to-end 116 to 118 or 216to 218 along its respective longitudinal axis. In an exemplaryarrangement, the length (or average length) of the scrolling surface 110is preferably about 2.9 times its width (or average width), while thesame ratio for the scrolling surface 210 is about 4.6. The ratio may beany desired amount, and ratios of 2.0 or greater, 2.5 or greater, 3.0 orgreater, 3.5 or greater, 4.0 or greater, and 5.0 or greater, areadvantageous as well. In some examples, the length (or average length)of the touch-sensitive surface is between 40 mm and 80 mm such as 65 mm,while the width (or average width) is within the range between 10 mm and30 mm such as 14 mm (as shown in FIG. 1) and 22 mm. (as shown in FIG.2). However, it is recognized that alternative dimensions could be used.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate scrolling devices 300, 400, 500, 600 havingalternative scrolling surface configurations. FIGS. 3 and 4 show thesurface configurations 310, 410 as part of a portion of a keyboard 301,401. FIG. 5 shows the surface configuration 510 with a generic coverportion that might, for example, form a portion of the top cover for ahousing. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a surface configuration 610that would preferably be used with part of a housing.

In these embodiments, the respective longitudinal end areas, 312, 412,512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, and 614 have enlarged widths relative to thewidths of the respective central portions 311, 411, 511, 611 ofscrolling regions 310, 410, 510, and 610. In other words, the endsregions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, and 614 may be wider in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., fromlongitudinal end to longitudinal end) than in the central portions 311,411, 511, 611. The widest points of the end portions 312, 412, 512, 612and 314, 414, 514, and 614 are preferably, but not necessarily, between5% and 50% wider than the respective central portions. Theseconfigurations result in a thermometer-shaped contiguous surface.Similar to those described with FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal endareas 312, 412, 512, 612, and 314, 414, 514, 614 are preferably curvedor tapered at their distal ends 316, 318, 416, 418, 516, 518, 616, 618.

The end portions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, 614 may be formedin a generally circular configuration (FIGS. 3, 4, and 6) or may beformed in more of an elliptical or ovular configuration (FIG. 5). Theenlarged end portions 312, 412, 512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, 614 incombination with their respective central portions may form a scrollingsurface 310, 410, 510, 610 that includes an elongated, uninterrupted,continuous exposed touch-sensitive surface between its longitudinalends.

FIGS. 3-6 also differ in the relative proportions of the scrollingsurface, mainly in the proportion of the central regions 311, 411, 511,611, and their relationships to the respective end portions 312, 412,512, 612 and 314, 414, 514, 614. These scrolling surfaces may beconfigured in any desirable size and/or proportion such as the size,size range, dimension, and/or dimension ranges as shown in FIGS. 1and/or 2.

FIGS. 3-5 also provide optional side scrolling areas 330, 430, 530. Inan exemplary arrangement, side scrolling areas 330, 430, 530 are (1)positioned immediately adjacent to their respective main scrolling areas310, 410, 510; (2) physically separate from their respective mainscrolling areas 310, 410, 510; and/or (3) located on opposing sides ofand spaced from their main scrolling areas 310, 410, 510 in a directionperpendicular from their longitudinal axis.

The side input surfaces 330, 430, 530 may enable the scrolling of adocument in a direction perpendicular from the scrolling directioncaused by moving the user's finger along the longitudinal axis. Thus, ifin one mounting arrangement, the scrolling surface 300, 400, 500 iselongated front-to-back (e.g., elongated from 318 to 316) and movementof the user's finger along the scrolling surface (e.g., between 318 and316) causes the document to scroll up and down based on the direction offinger movement, then the side scrolling surfaces 330, 430, 530 wouldenable the scrolling of the document left and right. If desired,scrolling in these perpendicular directions (in this example, left andright) may be responsive to touching, or tapping, ortapping-and-holding, the surfaces 330, 430, 530, and there might be norequirement to move the user's finger along these surfaces. In theillustrated embodiments, the side-scrolling surfaces 330, 430, 530 havea generally straight edge 332, 432, 532 proximal to the respectivecentral scrolling regions 311, 411, 511 and a rounded or tapered edge334, 434, 534 distal from the respective central scrolling regions 311,411, 511. If desired, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transition region305, 405 of the housing 304, 404 may partially or fully extend aroundthe periphery of the side scrolling surfaces 330, 430.

Any or all of the scrolling devices disclosed herein may include one ormore textual, graphical, and/or other indicia printed or otherwiseapplied, engraved, or etched thereon. These indicia can help providevisual feedback of where the central and end regions meet, or otherpositioning-related feedback. Further, if the indicium is slightlyraised on the scrolling surface, tactile feedback may also be provided.For example, as shown in FIG. 6, such indicia may include directionalarrows 641, 642 and/or separation lines 643, 644 (straight or curved)between the central 611 and end regions 612, 614.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 12 illustrate alternative embodiments of scrollingdevices 700, 800, 1200. FIG. 7 shows the scrolling device 700 with aportion of a keyboard 701. FIGS. 8 and 12 schematically show thesurfaces of their respective scrolling devices 800 and 1200 without acover or housing. In these embodiments, additional first (e.g., top) andsecond (e.g., bottom) end scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1200 are providedthat are (1) positioned along the longitudinal axis on opposed sides ofa main or central scrolling area 711, 811, 1211; and/or (2) physicallyseparate and/or spaced from a main scrolling area 711, 811, 1211.

The end input scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 enable the scrolling ofa document in the same direction as the scrolling direction caused bymoving the user's finger along the longitudinal axis of the mainscrolling area 711, 811, 1211 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis definedbetween 716 and 718). Thus, for example, if intended for verticalscrolling of the document, the first or upper end region would be an upscrolling region, and the second end region would be a down scrollingregion. If desired, end input scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 can beconfigured to provide additional scrolling options such as constantspeed scrolling or scrolling at a slower or faster speed. Further,scrolling with the end input scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 can beaccomplished by, e.g., touching, tapping, or tapping-and-holding thesurfaces 750, 850, 1250. In such an embodiment, there might be norequirement to move the user's finger along these surfaces. Thus, in onemounting arrangement, where the scrolling devices 700, 800, 1200, andtheir respective main scrolling areas 711, 811, 1211 are elongatedfront-to-back, and movement of the user's finger along the respectivescrolling surfaces 711, 811, 1211 is capable of causing the document toscroll up and down based on the direction of finger movement, the endscrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 may also enable the scrolling of thedocument up and down.

The distal longitudinal ends 716, 718, 816, 818, 1216, 1218 of thecentral scrolling area 711, 811, 1211 may be curved or otherwise taperedas shown in FIG. 7, or may be flat as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12. The edge751, 851, 1251 of the end scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250 that isproximal to the central scrolling area 711, 811, 1211 may be straight asshown in FIGS. 8 and 12 or otherwise curved or tapered as shown in FIG.7. The edge 752, 852, 1252 of the end scrolling surfaces 750, 850, 1250that is distal from the central scrolling area 711, 811, 1211 ispreferably curved as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 or otherwise tapered such asby diverging triangular edges as shown in FIG. 12. These configurationsmay assist the user in properly locating the user's finger by providingtactile and/or visual feedback.

FIG. 7 further discloses the combination of the separate end scrollingregions 750 with separate side scrolling regions 730. This configurationmay be used to provide additional scrolling options and capabilities.FIG. 8 also discloses the use of indicia 841, 842 to provide helpfulfeedback to the user.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate alternative embodiments of scrolling devices 900,1000, 1100. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the surfaces in conjunction with aportion of a keyboard, and FIG. 11 shows the surfaces with a genericcover portion that might, for example, form a portion of the top coverfor a housing of a device such as a keyboard, mouse, or laptop housing.In these embodiments, the elongated central scrolling surface isactually configured as two sectioned surfaces 911 a, 911 b, 1011 a, 1011b, and 1111 a, 111 b that are preferably physically separated orotherwise divided along the longitudinal axis. In one exemplaryarrangement, the sections are separated across the middle by a physicalbarrier 960, 1060, 1160, a bezel, a portion of the housing that may beraised such as a ridge (or a protrusion or series of protrusions ornibs) or lowered such as a groove, or that may be of the same height asthe surrounding housing, and/or other physical dividing structure. Thedistal ends 916, 918, 1016, 1018, 116, 1118 of these surfaces 911 a, 911b, 1011 a, 1011 b, and 1111 a, 111 b are preferably, but notnecessarily, rounded or otherwise tapered as previously described. Theseembodiments may include side scrolling surfaces 930, 1030, 1130 and/orend scrolling surfaces 1050 as previously described and shown in FIGS.9-11.

The barrier 960, 1060, 1160 preferably provides a tactile cue thatenables the user to feel where the center of the scrolling surface isand where a transition occurs without the need to be visually distractedfrom the work being performed on the display screen. Alternatively oradditionally, the barrier 960, 1060, 1160 may enable the user to utilizethe top and bottom sections (e.g., sections 911 a, 911 b) of thescrolling surface for different scrolling functions or techniques.

Another example of a tactile cue that may be on any embodiment and thatmay enable the user to physically feel where his or her finger is on thescrolling area relative to the scrolling area is illustrated in FIG. 11.These tactile cues may include one or more bezels 1165, or variations onthe bezel such as small nibs (protrusions) or grooves (recesses)positioned along the recessed area immediately adjacent to and/orextending over the scrolling region. These tactile cues may, forexample, be at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% along the main scrollingregion, and/or at the transition regions between the main scrolling areaand the opposing end scrolling areas. These cues provide the user withthe ability to feel their relative position along the scrolling surface.This can facilitate scrolling and jumping control.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate various combinations of features and attributes ofthe scrolling devices. However, all permutations of the differentfeatures and attributes described are usable together. Further, thescrolling devices may be used on any type of device, such as inconjunction with another input device or as a stand-alone input deviceregardless of whether it is schematically depicted in FIGS. 6, 8, and12, shown with a generic cover portion as in FIGS. 5 and 11, or shown aspart of a keyboard as in FIGS. 1-4, 7, 9, and 10. The scrolling surfacesmay be configured as separate sensing members or may be part of a singlelarger sensing pad with access to certain portions restricted byportions of the housing (where the housing may act like a mask over oneor more portions of the scrolling surface) and/or other physicalbarriers.

The touch sensitive scrolling devices are preferably sized to permitcomfortable scrolling capability by the hand size of an average keyboarduser. It is noted that the proportions of the scrolling features of thescrolling devices as shown in the drawings as filed are to scale, andthe Applicant reserves the right to explicitly incorporate specifictextual written descriptions of various proportions and shapes alreadydepicted in these figures.

Thus, in some embodiments, the up and down scrolling areas and/or theside scrolling areas may be provided and may be physically separate fromthe main scrolling area. If the end scrolling regions are a contiguouspart of the scrolling surface, various transition regions or locationsmay have visible or tactile features (such as lines) that distinguishthem from the rest of the pad.

In some embodiments, physically distinct regions, or contiguous“virtual” regions at the extreme ends of the scrolling surface may beused to trigger multiple functions that might not be available on themain or central area of the scrolling strip. These regions may beconfigured to respond to gestures such as tapping, tapping-and-holding,double-tapping, or double-tapping and then holding, and may controlfunctionality such as jumping to the Home or End portions of thedocument (by, for example, double-tapping), auto-scrolling the document(by, for example, tapping-and-holding), and page up/page down navigationdocument (by, for example, single-tapping).

Basic touch pad and scrolling strip functionality is known in the art.Depending upon the preferred ultimate uses, any desired scroll speed,scroll positioning control, finger moving and/or not moving detectiontechnique or program may be used. Existing touch pad technologies and/ormultiple touch-sensitive regions with quadrature motion detection ormultiple keyboard traces may be used. Further, to reduce costs, it maybe feasible to configure various embodiments to be used with and/orcontrolled by existing keyboard micro-controllers and/ormicro-controllers of other input devices. If desired, a keyboardmodifier key and/or a key on another input device such as a mouse, maybe used in combination with any of the gestures recognized on thetouch-sensitive scrolling strip to support and invoke variousfunctionality. For example, holding down the Control key (Ctrl) whilesliding one's finger along the strip can control the current zoom factorof the document or change the scroll orientation (e.g., from verticalscrolling to panning or horizontal scrolling, or vice-versa)

Where configured as part of a keyboard, embodiments of the scrollingdevice may be located in any desirable location on the keyboard such ason the left or right side or bottom edge. In a specific application, thescrolling device may be a part of an ergonomic or split keyboard. FIG.13 discloses an exemplary embodiment of such a keyboard 1301incorporating an elongated touch-sensitive device 1300. The keyboard1301 may include an alphanumeric section 1302 and may further include anediting section 1380 and/or a numeric section 1382 being each laterallydisposed from the alphanumeric section 1302. In this arrangement, thealphanumeric section 1302, commonly referred to as the QWERTY section,is split to define a region 1384 between the split portions. Such splitarrangements are known in the art to provide ergonomic benefits.

In one exemplary embodiment, the alphanumeric section 1302 is split andprovides the B key, the G key, the T key and the 6 key in the group ofkeys to the left of the region, and the N key, the H key, the Y key andthe 7 key in the group of keys to the right of the region. The space bar1386 may extend between and/or be included in both groups. The space bar1386 may also extend directly in front of the region 1384.

A touch-sensitive scrolling device 1300, such as but not limited to anyof the strips as previously described, may be disposed within the region1384 and/or within the alphanumeric section. This arrangement places thescrolling device 1300 in engagement range for the index fingers of theleft and right hands of the user when the hands are properly positionedduring normal alphanumeric typing. Accordingly, this arrangement enableseasy activation of the touch-sensitive surface of the scrolling device1300 during normal alphanumeric typing activities without the userhaving to reposition his or her hand(s).

Additionally, while the touch-sensitive scrolling device 1300 isillustrated in FIG. 13 as being oriented so that its longitudinal axisextends in a straight front-to-back direction, it may be angularlydisplaced if desired as shown in FIG. 14. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 13, the embodiment of FIG. 14 includes a split alphanumeric section1402 having a space bar 1486 and a region 1484 between the splitsections, an editing section 1480, and a numeric section 1482. Thetouch-sensitive scrolling device 1400 may include two elongated strips,and in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis of each stripand/or both side edges 1460 and 1461 (FIG. 15) of the device is angledto be parallel to an inner side 1475 or 1476 of one of the two splitportions in the alphanumeric section 1404 (FIG. 15). Thus, for example,as shown in FIG. 14, the scrolling strip may be displaced by angle Θrelative to the front-back direction of the keyboard to be generallyparallel to the inside edge angle of one of the two split keyboardportions. This enables enhanced control by a finger of a single handwhen the user has his hand disposed to type on the split keyboard. Theangle Θ is preferably, but need not be within the range of 5 to 20degrees.

Additional features of scrolling device 1400 are shown in FIG. 15.Scrolling device 1400 preferably includes two parallel touch sensitiveinput sections 1463 and 1464 that are physically separated by a raiseddivider 1462. One section, for example the left section 1463, may be inaccordance with any of the aforementioned touch sensitive devices. Inthis arrangement, the section 1463 includes a central touch sensitivearea 1411 and separated distal end sections 1414 and 1416. Physicaldividers 1466 may be used to provide tactile feedback to the userregarding his finger position along the strip. Additionally, graphicalelements, such as arrows or other indicia, may be used, and any or anycombination of the previously disclosed characteristics, such asenlarged or tapered ends, may also be provided.

The other section, for example the right section 1464, may be asillustrated or may be in accordance with any of the aforementioned touchsensitive devices. In the illustrated arrangement, the right sectionincludes an elongated scrolling surface 1469. The divider 1462separating the scrolling surfaces 1411 and 1469 includes tactilefeedback to the user about his finger location. The divider 1462includes at least one edge differing in texture from the other regionsaround the scrolling surfaces. Thus, as shown, divider 1462 may includea sawtooth edge 1468 to provide tactile feedback as to which of the twoscrolling strips are being contacted. However, if desired, any of theaforementioned tactile feedback arrangements may be used. The twoseparate scrolling devices 1463 and 1464 are preferably used to controlscrolling differently. In a first arrangement, absolute motion occurs inthe touch sensitive region 1469 on the “sawtooth” side. Alternatively,instead of absolute motion, the touch sensitive region 1469 on the“sawtooth” side can provide an increased gain factor, for example, fivetimes the movement speed of the other touch sensitive device 1411. Thetactile feedback of the central divider, especially the “sawtooth”configuration, provides tactile feedback conveying to the user whichside of the divider 1462 he or she is on. This in turn, providesfeedback as to which of the differing functions that would be activatedupon movement of the finger touching the strip. Thus, in this touchsensitive arrangement shown in FIG. 15, the left touch sensitive device1463 has a central section 1411 and specialized end regions 1414 and1416, and the right touch sensitive device 1464 can provide absolute orincrease speed scrolling. The dividers 1462 and 1466, including andtactile feedback structure thereon helps the user “feel” his fingerposition on the device. Instead of the sawtooth shaped contour,alternative contours may be used. Preferably, of course, the contourdiffers from the edges of the surrounding edges of other touch sensitivesurface.

While the sawtooth contoured edge 1468 assists the user indiscriminating by touch which of the two scrolling regions is beingengaged or is about to be engaged, the sawtooth edge 1468 can alsoassist the user in locating his relative position between the top andbottom of the adjacent scroll strip. Accordingly, it may be provided asa side edge for any or all of the scrolling strip configurations ofFIGS. 1-12. Additionally, while the sawtooth edge 1468 extends betweenthe two ends of the scrolling region 1469, the sawtooth profile may bein selected regions along the length of the scrolling region.

While exemplary systems and methods embodying the present invention areshown by way of example, it will be understood, of course, that theinvention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications may be madeby those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoingteachings. For example, each of the features of the aforementionedembodiments and examples may be utilized in combination with otherembodiments.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A touch-sensitive device for manipulating adocument on a display screen, said device comprising: a central areaextending along a first axis; and first and second end areas positionedalong the first axis on opposed sides of the central area, said firstand second end areas each for performing a respective first and secondfunction for manipulating the document.
 22. The device of claim 21wherein the first and second end areas are physically separate andspaced from the central area.
 23. The device of claim 21 wherein thecentral area has a width in a direction perpendicular to the first axisand wherein the first and second end areas have a width that differsfrom the width of the central area.
 24. The device of claim 21 whereinsaid device is part of a keyboard including an alphanumeric section,said areas being disposed within the alphanumeric section.
 25. Thedevice of claim 21 wherein the first and second end areas are rounded.26. The device of claim 21, further comprising a housing with first,second and third openings that frame the central area, and the first andsecond end areas respectively.
 27. The device of claim 26, wherein thehousing is part of a keyboard.
 28. A touch-sensitive device formanipulating a document on a display screen, said device comprising: acentral area extending along a first axis; and first and second areaspositioned along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis onopposed sides of the central area, said first and second areas each forperforming a respective first and second function for manipulating thedocument.
 29. The device of claim 28 wherein the first and second areasare physically separate and spaced from the central area.
 30. The deviceof claim 28 wherein the central area has a width in a directionperpendicular to the first axis and wherein the first and second areashave a width in a direction perpendicular to the second axis thatdiffers from the width of the central area.
 31. The device of claim 28wherein said device is part of a keyboard including an alphanumericsection, said areas being disposed within the alphanumeric section. 32.The device of claim 28 wherein the first and second areas are rounded.33. The device of claim 28, further comprising a housing with first,second and third openings that frame the central area, and the first andsecond areas respectively.
 34. The device of claim 33, wherein thehousing is part of a keyboard.
 35. The device of claim 28, wherein thefirst axis is a longitudinal axis.
 36. The device of claim 28, whereinthe first and second areas each have a distal end, and tactile feedbackmeans located between the distal ends for providing tactile feedback forassisting in the location of the first and second areas.
 37. The deviceof claim 28, wherein the tactile feedback means includes discretesurface texture changes on the scrolling area.
 38. The device of claim21, wherein the first axis is a longitudinal axis.
 39. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the first and second end areas each have a distal end,and tactile feedback means located between the distal ends for providingtactile feedback for assisting in the location of the first and secondend areas.
 40. The device of claim 21, wherein the tactile feedbackmeans includes discrete surface texture changes.